24 Best Pancetta Recipes That Are Easy to Make
on Oct 20, 2022
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From pasta to breakfast quiche to pizza, there are so many ways to add pancetta to your dishes. We’ve rounded up 24 of the best Pancetta Recipes for you to try at home.
Fancy yourself a bacon connoisseur? Okay, so you like bacon – who doesn’t? If you have a craving for some salty bacon, why don’t give the Italian version a try? Made with black pepper, loads of other flavorful spices, and cured to perfection, this savory meat is delicious on its own or in recipes.
Read on to learn more about pancetta and how to cook with it to add more flavor to your weeknight dinner dishes!
What Is Pancetta?
A seasoned, salty cured meat, pancetta is made from pork belly. It is Italian meat that is full of flavor and is often used to spice up soups, sandwiches, or pasta.
It’s most often served raw (cured) and thinly sliced. But it is also common to chop it into cubes or purchase it already cubed for use in other recipes.
Ways to Use Pancetta
Pancetta is so versatile that it can weave its way into countless dishes. It adds a meaty, flavorful touch to any meal. It can also be served sliced on a charcuterie platter along with other cured meats and dried goods.
Best Pancetta Recipes
Pancetta Pasta
Topped with a creamy sauce, shallots, and cubed pancetta, this pasta dish is an impressive addition to your dinner party menu. Guests will rave about this meal.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta
Made with sautéed, shredded brussels sprouts and savory pancetta, you won’t be hearing any whining about eating their greens tonight.
Pasta With Pancetta And Peas
Pancetta and peas go together perfectly and they are delicious over a creamy pasta dish. Tossed with orecchiette pasta and parmesan cheese, this is a restaurant-caliber meal.
How To Cook Pancetta
This pork belly meat is cured with salt, sugar, pepper, juniper berries, bay leaves, nutmeg, and thyme. With so much savory flavor, it’s the perfect addition to your carbonara or Amatriciana dishes.
Pasta With Pancetta And Mushrooms
Simple and delicious, this mushroom and pancetta combination is a quick and easy dinner that is loaded with flavor. In the mood for a classic, comforting pasta dish? This recipe is it!
Penne Alla Vodka With Pancetta
Cheesy, creamy, and mouthwatering, this penne alla vodka dish is enhanced with the unique flavor of cured pancetta. Perfectly mild and balanced, the flavors in this dish are the best combination.
Angel Hair Alfredo With Jalapeño And Pancetta
Satisfying and delicious, this angel hair pasta and pancetta dish comes with a little extra kick, thanks to the jalapeno. Light, quick, and delicious, this is a great weeknight meal when you’re short on time.
Collard Greens With Pancetta and Ham
A classic southern recipe, collard greens and Italian pancetta are a match made in heaven. Hearty and delicious, this side dish is a definite crowd-pleaser.
Spinach And Pancetta Quiche
Give your ordinary quiche recipe a flavorful twist by adding hearty spinach and savory pancetta. This winning combo is a guaranteed hit.
Gnocchi With Sauteed Spinach And Crispy Pancetta
Gnocchi is already such a cozy, comforting dish. Combined with sautéed spinach and crisp pancetta makes this pasta dish simply heavenly. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this quick and easy meal is going to be your family’s favorite weeknight dinner.
Creamy Leek And Pancetta Pappardelle Pasta
Pappardelle pasta is a delicious meal idea on its own. Paired with leek and pancetta? Even better! If you’re looking for a quick and simple meal for your next romantic evening, look no further.
Kale And Pancetta Pasta With Lemon And Garlic
Made with hearty kale and tangy lemon and garlic, this satisfying pasta dish is irresistible!
Pancetta Pasta With Peas
This quick pasta dish combines delicious flavors for a light and savory weeknight meal the whole family is sure to love. The best part? It only takes 20 minutes to prepare.
Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus
No one will complain about eating asparagus again once they try this pancetta-wrapped version. Serve with lean grilled chicken for a complete and savory dish.
Green Beans With Shallots And Pancetta
Made with fresh green beans, shallots, and pancetta, this tasty side is ideal for your holiday table. Seasoned to perfection, this side is always a hit.
Shrimp Scallop Pasta With Crispy Pancetta
Made with succulent shrimp and crispy pancetta, this shrimp scallop pasta dish is so delicious, you’ll want to make it every week!
Frittata With Spring Greens, Parmesan, And Pancetta
Nothing hits the spot quite like a tasty, fluffy, vegetable frittata. Made with spring greens and pancetta, you’ll love this quick and simple meal.
Pasta With Pancetta And Tomato Sauce
Tossed in a savory, garlic-infused tomato sauce, the only way to make this pasta dish even better is to toss some pancetta over it. Crisp, savory, and mouthwatering, this combination makes for one irresistible dish.
Orecchiette Pasta With Pancetta And Radicchio
Pancetta, garlic, radicchio, and orecchiette pasta come together for a delicious pasta dish that is loaded with flavor. In just 10 minutes, this simple meal is ready to go, and cleanup is a cinch, too.
Pancetta And Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
Give your mashed potatoes even more pizzazz with this rosemary and pancetta recipe. Talk about flavorful! You’ll never eat mashed potatoes any other way again.
Potato And Pancetta Pizza
Made with potato rounds, pancetta, mozzarella, and smoked Gouda, your guests will think you hired a private chef for your dinner party! This authentic Italian dish is easier to prep than it looks, but we’ll never tell.
Creamy Lemon Cacio E Pepe With Pancetta
Creamy and irresistible, this cacio e pepe dish is on a whole other level. Combined with tangy lemon flavor, Italian pancetta, and sweet peas, this pasta dish is the ultimate comfort meal.
Creamy Pancetta Pasta Del Maresciallo
Simple, creamy, and mouthwatering, this pasta dish is soon to be a family favorite. We promise even your picky eaters will enjoy this rich dish.
Simple Pancetta Pasta With Peas And Parmesan
Tossed with peas, pancetta, garlic, and olive oil, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this savory dish is as delicious as it sounds.
Easy Pancetta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound your favorite pasta
- salt, to taste
- 8 ounces pancetta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add pasta. Cook as directed on the package.
- While the pasta boils, heat the pancetta in a large pan with olive oil.
- Sautée the pancetta for a few minutes, then turn off the heat. Cut the cooked meat into tiny pieces and place them back in the pan.
- When pasta is perfectly al dente, remove it from boiling water with a slotted spoon. Place the pasta directly onto the pancetta pan and shut off the heat.
- Toss with grated cheese.
- Stir and gradually add some pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Mix well and serve immediately.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.